A
church has stood on the present site for over 500 years. The exact
date is not known, but the church was there in 1476 and it is possible
the base of the square tower is original. It served the people of
Lancashire, being a chapel of ease for the mother church of ST. CHAD'S in Rochdale. The Yorkshire part of the township was served
by the chapel of ST. PAUL AT CROSS STONE. They are only a mile or
two apart, but Cross Stone church is 300 feet higher up the valley
side. Until living memory, the valley between the two was often
flooded and always marshy. St. Mary's was known as an Extra Parochial
Chapel with unusual rights and privileges, but Todmorden did not
become a separate parish until 1866.

A self-styled
"rustic court magician" by the name of HENRY CRABTREE descended on Todmorden in 1662 to take up the curacy of St. Mary's.
He has to be the most eccentric odd-ball ever to hold the position
of vicar, yet he lasted there for an unbelievable 23 years. He wasn't
a scholar, but was a blunt and honest Yorkshire man, born in Sowerby.
He worked in an age when superstition and belief in witches and
wizards was rife, and all daily misfortunes were blamed on these
witches and wizards.

Henry
was not only a clergyman but also a physician, mathematician and
astrologer. His wages of £12 a year from the Parish were augmented
by attempts at healing the sick. Blood letting was his favourite
treatment, but he preferred prevention rather than cure. In 1685
he wrote and had published a book entitled "Merlinus Rusticus",
or Country Almanac, in which he gave a month by month prescription
for keeping healthy.

photo
by kind permission of Faye

of Western
Australia

Henry
is credited with being the first incumbent to keep Parish records
of baptisms, marriages and burials at St. Mary's. Far from the often
brief entries of his counterparts to follow, he added many an astrological
comment to the register, and sometimes very caustic remarks.

On June
23rd 1669 he buried Edmund Kershaw, adding in the register "with
all men's consent", whilst Ruth Fielden was "well buried"
on 24th May 1670. In 1685 he baptised James Taylor, who he comments
"was born near the setting of the sun and also near a full
moon - a sure sign of a short life." His parents were more
than likely very unimpressed.

His
actions as a physician were eventually his downfall. His biggest
mistake was treating a young man who suffered from fits by over-zealous
blood letting; "enough for six men at once". He was accused
of being in league with the devil and discredited for the rest of
his life. He died before 1695 in Todmorden and is buried in an unmarked
grave with no reference to the burial in the registers he so carefully
created. His wife outlived him and was buried at St. Mary's on December
15th. 1718.

Tablet
commemorating Anthony Crossley

of Scaitcliffe

Anthony
Crossley of SCAITCLIFFE HALL was the chief contributor to a virtual
re-build of the church in 1770 at a cost of £605. A new nave
was built and galleries were added.

The
parish records include a list of pew sittings in 1778, which states
there were a total of 694 seats with over 300 of them being in various
lofts, including 27 in the west end reserved for singers.

The
Choir

During
the incumbency of Rev. Joseph Atkinson (1775 to 1819) the choir
at St. Mary's was well known for its prowess. The choir master and
instructor was Jeremy Howarth of Knowlood and he offered his home
for rehearsals. He was great friends with Moses Dawson, a neighbour
from Knowlwood, and together they sang both for wages and for the
love of it. The other male voices were Abraham Crossley and John
Unsworth, also of Knowlwood, James Woodhead of Swineshead, John
Hollingrake of Causeway, James Sutcliffe of Longfield, and Abraham
Fielden of NORTH HOLLINGWORTH who also played the bassoon. Joseph
Travis of CLOUGH MILL played the organ after its installation in
1805. The lady members were Mary Bottomley, wife of Edmund Woodhead
of CLOUGH, and Sarah, wife of John Crowther. Later additions were
Betty Fielden and Hannah Barker of Hollingworth, Betty Crossley
of Henshaw, Sarah Unsworth and Susan Barker of Knowlwood and Susan
Haigh of Pexwood. Other
singers joined later, namely; Thomas Barker and James Dawson of
Knowlwood, Abraham Crossley junior of Knowlwood Bottom, Thomas and
John Law of Watty Farm, and brothers Ely, Abraham and Ned Crossley
of GAUXHOLME STONES.

It
was the custom after the service for the men to adjourn to the Royal
George Inn, where some satisfied worshipper would stand them their
drinks, and on many an occasion some of them stayed there too long
and were often much the worse for wear by the end of the day.

Moses
Dawson was the bass singer and had charge of the index board showing
the congregation the numbers of the hymns to be sung. Moses continued
in the choir all his life, moving to the new church after it was
built. By then he was quite old and frail, but insisted on singing,
having to prop himself up on a pillar to avoid falling over. His
wife always attended the services with him, dressed in a red cloak.
Moses sang to the end of his days.

The
clerk of the church during the reign of this particular choir was
John Shackleton the eldest. John Shackleton was a very well known
name in the circles of St. Mary's. Three generations of John Shackletons
were the clerks at the old church. John the eldest was the most
notorious, born in 1753 and twice married. In addition to his parish
clerk duties, he was the sexton, he was a handloom weaver, and he
was a newspaper carrier. He also enjoyed a spot of hunting on the
moors and often spent too much time at the Royal George Inn, having
to be hauled out and carried to his home at one of the Todmorden
Hall cottages by his long-suffering wife. After the Sunday morning
service he would act as town crier in the churchyard, giving notice
in a very loud voice as to where a beast would be killed and the
anticipated price per pound so the people would know where to go
for fresh meat. Saturdays he went to Wakefield, and later to Halifax,
to collect a supply of newspapers, which he distributed to the townsfolk
that evening at a cost of 10 pence each. People would seem him arriving
with the newspapers in all weathers, summer and winter, without
hat, clogs or stockings. He was frequently late for burials, and
being the sexton, this could be quite disastrous. He died in 1820
at the age of 67, and is buried in his beloved churchyard with both
his long-suffering wives.

Last
but not least in this small profile of the singers is the vicar,
the Rev. Joseph Atkinson. He had the charge of both St. Mary's and
St. Paul's at Cross Stone. He would take a service in the morning
at St. Mary's and then a service in the afternoon at St. Paul's.
The following week he would reverse the order. The distance between
the two churches is maybe only a couple of miles, but the journey
in those days was hazardous. Cross Stone lies hundreds of feet up
the hill side and St. Mary's is in the valley bottom. Between the
two the ground was almost always flooded and very marshy, and the
climb up to Cross Stone was steep. Joseph lived at Roomfield House,
part way between the two, where he farmed a small estate of his
own. He was often to be seen in the village, driving his stirks
to graze in the churchyard or fetching spent grain for his cattle
from the Royal George Inn with his wheelbarrow. He was curate for
45 years and was well-missed when he died at the age of 74.

In
1805 an oratorio was held in the church. The tickets were 3 shillings
and sixpence. The performers were paid a total of £31 and
the profit, £15.4s.0d. was handed over to the fund for purchasing
an organ from Mr. C. Rawson of Underbank at a cost of £250.
This organ was duly installed and remained there until the church
closed, at which time it was moved to Christ Church.

a
recent view of the interior

A
new vestry was built that year, and there were other ambitious schemes
to build a new tower with a peal of bells, but they never came to
fruition. However, in 1813 more galleries were added and it was
said that 743 seats were available.

During
the incumbency of Joseph Cowell it was clear something had to be
done as the church was very dark and overcrowded and was falling
in to disrepair. Rev. Cowell submitted proposals for taking down
the church and re-building a larger church on the same site, or
removing to some other site, or moving to a site in the new burial
ground. There was a lot of local feeling against closing the old
church and war broke out amongst the townsfolk. However, a new church
was built in the grounds of the new cemetery and St. Mary's was
made redundant.

The
new church, known as CHRIST CHURCH, was opened in 1832. Burials
were still allowed in the old churchyard and for this reason a few
pews were left behind, the rest being taken over to Christ Church.

Despite
the new church, local folk loyal to St. Mary's continued to agitate
for its re-opening. In 1845 Walsden had been made a Peel Parish
and had been granted its own church, dedicated to ST. PETER. With
this, the old church of St. Mary lost half its potential congregation.
Nevertheless, the agitators succeeded in enlisting the support of
the Archdeacon and the Bishop of Manchester, who promised money
for the renovation of St. Mary's and the stipend of a minister.

Very
little happened to the old Church for several years. There were
the occasional funerals, conducted by Rev. Cowell or his curate.
The windows in the bottom part were taken out and flagstones put
in to the openings. Little was done to keep the place clean, and
the dust was only disturbed when a funeral took place. Charles Greenlees
of Church Street held the keys and had the job of winding up the
clock in the tower. Men were sent every year or so to paint up the
windows and doors white and to weed and trim the graveyard. It was
a sad sight for the supporters of the old church. Even the Rev.
Cowell had to admit that building a new church rather than re-building
the old one was the biggest mistake of his life. Feelings ran high
for many years and there was almost civil war amongst the opposing
factions. The friends of the old Church began raising subscriptions
from the townsfolk towards a restoration fund and secured promises
of up to £200 towards the estimated cost of £700.

The Old Church Committee consisted of:

Samuel
Crossley of Patmos

John
Sutcliffe of West End

John
Heyworth of Dalton St.

Amos
Scholfield of York Place

John
Travis of Ridge Street

Thomas
Fielden of Dobroyd

James
Heap of Church Street

John
Travis, member of the committee, wrote at the time, 1858:

"Instead
of being the chief ornament of our town, it has a most wretched
appearance; and that if anything here deserves the sympathy of
the public, it is this fabric where the ashes of most of our forefathers
repose in silence and neglect; and we sincerely hope that this
appeal may not be made in vain, but that a suitable response will
be made by rich and poor in her behalf, and that ere long we may
not only have the same restored, but that she may again be placed
in charge of those who will care for her and for the spiritual
prosperity of her people, and that they may here within her walls
once more the sound of a gospel message."

Steps
were taken at this time to have two churchwardens for St. Mary's
appointed. A meeting of ratepayers was called for 8th April 1858
at which John Sutcliffe, draper of Patmos and John Heyworth, joiner
of Dalton Street, were appointed. There was no opposition from the
incumbent and despite the incumbent of Rochdale, the Vicar in overall
charge, being opposed, the Archdeacon agreed the appointments. The
new wardens convened a meeting and it was agreed to levy a rate
for the cleaning and repair of the old church and graveyard. Steps
were taken to stop the misuse of church property - the graveyard
railings were being used to dry clothes, pigs were prowling in the
graveyard and the boys from the Endowed school used the graveyard
for a playground.

The
burial ground was closed by order of the Secretary of State effective
from 12th. October 1857 apart from walled vaults.
A movement to have the tower raised, a new bell, an illuminated
clock, and the planting of shrubs in the yard was brought to the
fore.

The
following committee was constituted :

Josiah
Lord, Dale Street

Charles
Greenlees, Church St.

John
Heap, Burnley Road

John
Howorth, Church St.

John
Sutcliffe, Patmos

John
Heyworth, Rose Street

John
Stansfield, Vale Cottage

James
Heap, Church Street

Richard
Stansfield, Salford;

Luke
Suthers, York Street

Richard
Ingham, Albert Terrace

John
Holmes, Church Street

Samuel
Crossley, Patmos

Amos
Schofield, York Place

James
Astin, North Street

Hartley
Proctor, Oddfellows' Hall

Abraham
Lord, Bankfield House

It
was decided that Messrs. A. and T. Stansfield should plant the churchyard.
Mr. Horsfall's plans as amended by Mr. Wild, architect, Halifax,
were eventually adopted in substance and Benjamin Scholfield's tender
of £50 for the masons' work was accepted. The works were under
the supervision of Josiah Lord of York Place. The alterations were
completed by 1868. Meanwhile, the church had been opened as a Sunday
school with a strong staff of helpers. On 14th. January 1865 the
solemnisation of marriages was revived, and on 11th. August 1866
Todmorden was made a parish in its own right, completely segregated
from Rochdale.

St.
Mary's about 1868 by kind permission of Roger Birch

Sadly
for the supporters of the old church, Christ Church was made the
Parish Church of Todmorden, but St. Mary's was allowed to function
as a Chapel of Ease with full privileges. This left the incumbent
with a unique situation of having to run two churches a few hundred
yards apart.For
the next 130 years St. Mary's and Christ Church both operated fully.
Having two churches so close together in the same parish caused
many problems but none that weren't overcome.

photo by kind permission of Tony Leah

In 1885, it was decided to make some much needed improvements to the church. One of the firms of architects to submit plans was
Whitfield & Thomas, Architects, 20 Cockspur Street, London SW, who submitted the drawing on the left and the one below as part of their proposals.

On 24th February 1886 the church re-opened after being closed for 8 weeks to enable the contractor to complete the erection of a new chancel, the re-pewing of the nave, and other improvements that entirely changed the interior aspect of the church. The plans for the exterior shown on the right seem not to have been accepted, certainly as far as the tower is concerned.

photo by kind permission of Tony Leah

St.
Mary's in 1889 by kind permission

of Roger Birch

Eventually, St. Mary's
won the day. Christ Church was closed in 1992 and is now in a state
of dereliction, whilst St. Mary's has been renovated and modernised
to make it comfortable for the modern worshipper.

The
Bells

The
first known bell was a single bell cast in 1603 by William Oldfield
of Doncaster and York. On
the original bell were the letters S.R.A.L., and A.D. 1603,
along with this:

In
jucunditate et soni sonambo Tibi Dme. (Doinine)

In
dulcidine vocis cantabo Tuo nomine.

(With
pleasantness of sound I will make a noise unto Thee, O Lord,

With
sweetness of voice I will sing unto Thy name.)

When
the renovations were ongoing in 1860, the bell was recast by George
Mears of Whitechapel in London. The following inscription was added:

The
old bell had weighed over 5cwt. and the new one was even heavier
at nearer 7cwt. The committee sold the old one for £32.6s.10d.
and paid £59.13s.6d. for the new one. Christ Church eventually
closed its doors in 1992, and St. Mary's once again became the main
church.

In
anticipation of this event, a new set of bells was made ready for
St. Mary's. One of the small chiming bells from Christ Church was
re-tuned and given to St. Mary's, and a full set of seven new bells
were cast by Taylors of Loughborough.

There
was much preparation work to be done in St Mary's tower including
the removal of a chimney breast, removal and replacement of three
floors and installation of a bell frame. This work was done by the
Todmorden Ringers.

The
photographs above, below and left show the Todmorden Ringers meeting
the bells on their arrival at the church. They are shown here with
kind permission of Ian Swain.

The
bells were finally hung in 1990, two years before the church was
reopened. St. Mary's tower now has a peal of 8 bells with a tenor
of 6cwt. and the electric clock bell. The tower also contains a
small clock bell weighing just 1cwt., recovered from ALL SAINTS CHURCH at Harley Wood before it was demolished. This clock was made
in 1860 and has been fully restored and converted to electric winding.

The
Burial Ground

In
1930 a road widening scheme in Church Street meant that the present
raised pavement was constructed over part of the graveyard, and
in 1968 the gravestones were removed to allow for further widening
of the road, and were re-laid around the churchyard. A survey showed
there were 425 in all. Most of the stones date from the 18th and
early 19th century, with a few from the 17th century. More recently
the churchyard has been renovated, some stones have been lifted,
cleaned, and used as decorative walling for a memorial patio. Stones
have been laid to good effect round the Church Street boundary for
passers-by to see. The ones within the old yard are mainly laid
flat, and are deteriorating rapidly. Many are broken and some are
propped up against a back wall. Many have disappeared forever. A selection is shown below:

This grave was near the wall at the west end of the church. It was destroyed many years ago

In memory of Alice wife of Thomas FIELDEN of Wellfield, Crumpsall

died Aug 29th 1856 aged 72 years

Also of the above named Thomas FIELDEN

who died December 7th 1869 in the 79th year of his age.

This grave was on the east side of the churchyard. It was a raised monument surrounded with iron rails. It was destroyed many years ago

Sacred to the Memory

Of Joshua the son of Joshua and Alice FIELDEN of Waterside near Todmorden who departed this life 2nd day of January 1820 aged 19 days.

Also of the aforesaid Joshua FIELDEN of Waterside who departed this life on the 24th day of November 1847 in the 70th year of his age

Also of John their son who died at Greenbank, Caton,

on 1st September 1852 aged 32 years

Of Alice the wife of Joshua FIELDEN of Waterside near Todmorden who departed this life the 20th day of March 1831 aged 37 years

Also Maria his wife

who departed this life the 9th day of September 1840 aged 45 years.

On a different stone but within the same rails:

In memory of James FIELDEN of Dobroyd near Todmorden

who departed this life on May 9th 1852 aged 64 years

Also of Grace his wife who departed this life January 1861 aged 65 years

This grave was at the east end of the churchyard on a raised tombstone with iron rails round it. It was destroyed many years ago.

In memory of Henry LACY of Stoadley

who departed this life Jan 8th 1842 aged 82 years

Yes, the Christian course is run,

Ended is the glorious strife,

Fought the fight, the work is done,

Death is swallowed up in life.

Also of Walter David the son of David and Phoebe LACY

who departed this life December 17th 1848 aged 3 years and 8 months

Also of Sarah FIELDEN daughter of Thomas FIELDEN and Mary KAY of Montreal obt. Jan 25th 1851 aged 12 years.

In remembrance of Henry the son of Henry and Betty LACY of Stoodley

who departed this life March 27th 1811 aged 2 weeks and 6 days

Also of the said Betty LACY

who departed this life Sep 18th 1836 in the 61st year of her age.

Also of Martha the wife of David LACY of Knowlwood Mill

son of the above Henry LACY and Betty LACY

who departed this life January 7th 1843 aged 30 years

Also of the above named David LACY

who died at Stoodley Hall Dec. 31st 1866 aged 58 years

Also of Fielden Robertshall LACY son of Daniel and Martha LACY

who died Dec 28th 1868 aged 32 years.

In
Memory of Reuben HAIGH of Pexhouse

who
died 28th June 1857 aged 69 yrs

Also
Grace his wife

who
died 28th December 1827 aged 40 yrs

Also
Betty his second wife

who died 1st
October 1849 aged 47 yrs.

Underneath
this stone lieth the body of

Reuben HAIGH of Dean

who departed this life 11th March 1806 aged 55yrs.

Also
Mary his wife who died 3rd July 1831 aged 81yrs.

Also
Susan daughter of Reuben HAIGH

who died 25th April 1797 aged 3yrs.

Also
Ruth their daughter

who died 22nd July 1797 aged 13yrs

Also
John their son

who departed this life 25th March 1801 aged 26yrs,

Also
Sarah Alice their daughter

who
died 12th March 1803 aged 9yrs.

Also
Sarah wife of Joseph HAIGH

who died 1st July 1804 aged 22yrs.

Also the aforesaid
Joseph HAIGH late of Inchfield Fold

who died 2nd March 1855 aged
76yrs.

John
LAW

Bridge Master for Salford Hundred

died
at Heywood 24 May 1781 in his 50th year.

Also
Robert his son died 22 Nov 1806 in his 40th year.

John HAIGH
departed this life 18 July 1772

in the
69th. year of his life

and
Mary his widow died 9 April 1781

in the
71st year of her age.

Also
Ann wife of John HAGUE jnr.

died
3 Sept 1797 aged 50 years.

Also
the aforesaid John HAIGH jnr.

of Inchfield
Pastureside

who died
18 Dec. 1831 in the 84th year of his age.

Here lies
the body of Reuben HAIGH jnr.

who departed
this life Oct. 3rd. 1729.

Also
here resteth the body of Edward NOWEL

who
departed this life 6 Nov. 1747.

Also
here lieth the body of Martha

the
wife of John HAIGH of Watty

who died
7 Nov. 1765.

Also
the body of the aforesaid John HAIGH

who
departed this life 7 March 1791 aged 71 years.

Sacred
to the memory of David STANSFIELD of Clough Foot

who departed this life August 21st 1851 aged 72 years.

Great
is the loss but greater is his eternal rest.

In
memory of Hollinrake, son of Samuel and Mary LORD of Hanging Ditch

who died Sept. 7th 1844 aged 11 months.

Also
of Tom their son who died Feby 2nd . 1845 aged 7 months.

Also of John their son who died May 16th 1849 aged 18 years.

Also of the said Samuel LORD who died Oct. 21st 1849 aged 47 years.

Here
resteth the body of Sarah the wife of John BENTLEY of Todmorden

who died on the 27th of November 1825 aged 21 years.

Also
John their son who died August 16th 1828 aged 5 years.

In
memory of John the son of Joseph and Ann RATCLIFFE of Clinton

who departed this life February 23rd 1857 aged 37 years.

Also
of Esther their daughter who died March 14th 1857 aged 33 years

Here
lies the body of John son of Samual LAW of Toad Carr

who died December 17th 1775 aged 3 years.

Also
the body of Samual LAW of Square in Walsden

who was interred on 11th June 1824 aged 79 years

Also
of Sarah his wife who was interred on 9th October 1836 aged 90 years

Also
of Abraham LAW who died at Birks Cottage June 10th 1850 aged
54

Here
resteth the body of Ambrose GREENWOOD of Carrhouse

who
died November 20 th . 1819 aged 62 years.

Also
Susan the wife of Ambrose GREENWOOD

who
departed this life September 24th . 1794 aged 56 years.

Also
Betty the daughter of Ambrose and Susan GREENWOOD

who
died September 15th . 1789 aged 5 years.

Also
Mally their daughter who died May 19th . 1792 aged 2 years.

Also
William , their son died October 25th . 1805 aged 13.

Also
John GREENWOOD their son died February 27th . 1842 aged
52 years.

Also
Mally wife of said John GREENWOOD who died March 16th .
1819 aged 32 years.

Also
Betty their daughter who died September 17th . 1816 aged
2 and half years

Also
Enoch Ambrose their son who died March 13th . 1819 aged
13 days.

Here
resteth the interred remains of Sarah the wife of James
GREENWOOD of Deanroyd

who
departed this life 30th . August 1783 aged 47.

Also
Mary his wife who died March 18th . 1792 aged 47.

Also
the above named James GREENWOOD who died October 19th .
1802 aged 86 years.

Here
lieth the body of Mary late wife of John TATTERSALL

who
departed this life 3rd January 1774 aged 39 years 43 weeks
and 6 days

Also
the above named John TATTERSALL who departed this life 3rd
November 1795 aged 66 years

Also
Moses DAWSON who died January 3rd 1835 aged 73 years

Also
Hannah his wife who died May 13th 1847 aged 80 years

Also
Betty their daughter who died May 1st 1847 aged 51 yrs

Here
lieth the body of Elizabeth the wife of Robert SHACKLETON

who
departed this life 23rd January 1772

Here
resteth the body of Susan the wife of John SHACKLETON late
of this place

who
died April 13th 1798 aged 43 years

Also
the above named John SHACKLETON who died October 3rd 1820
aged 67 years

(Minister
of this church and Cross Stone for 45 years during which
he laboured faithfully

and is come to receive a glorious reward)

Also
Sarah his beloved wife who died November 23rd 1834 aged
79 years

(God's
Will Be Done)

Also
Mary LORD of Roomfield House daughter of the above

who
departed this life February 17th 1866 aged 75

Also
of her daughter Charlotte Amelia WATSON who died March 13th
1886 aged 77 years

In
memory of Susan wife of John MILLS of Todmorden Edge

who
departed this life December 2nd 1814 aged 34 years.

Also
of the above named John MILLS who departed this life April
8th 1839 aged 60 years.

Here
resteth the body of Mary the wife of John FIELDEN of Hollingworth

who
departed this life August 10 1786 in the 45th year of her
age.

Also
the body of the above named John FIELDEN

who
departed this life Aug 14 1807 in the 70th year of his age.

Also
the body of Mary, the wife of Abraham FIELDEN of Hollingworth

who died on 24 June 1828 aged 64 years.

Also
the above named Abraham FIELDEN

who
died at Knowlwood Bottom on 2 Dec 1840 in the 79th year
of his age.

Here
lieth the body of Martha, wife of John FIELDEN of Clough in
Walsden

who departed this life July 30th 1794
aged 45 years

ALSO
Susan, his daughter who departed this life January 22nd 1796
aged 6 years

ALSO here lieth the
above named John Fielden of Clough who died August 8th 1802
aged 43 years

In
memory of Nancy, the wife of William FIELDEN of Clough Mill,
Walsden,

who departed this life in full triumph
of faith on 4th June 1843 aged 49 years

In
memory of Samuel FIELDEN of Clough in Walsden

who
departed this life October 3rd 1809
aged 80 years.

He
had been a member of the Methodist Society for 60 years

ALSO
the remains of John FIELDEN of Clough Mill

one
of the grandsons of the said Samuel FIELDEN who died April
20th 1840, aged 54 years

Here
lieth the body of Samuel the son of Samuel FIELDEN of Clough

who diedDecember 29th 1774 aged 17 years

Abraham
FIELDEN of Clough Head November 2nd 1714

Sarah
and Ann, daughters of Samuel FIELDEN, May 31st 1766

Also
lies the body of the daughter of Samuel Fielden who died August
2nd 1796 aged 62

R1729H

Here
lieth the body of Reuben HAIGH JNR . Who departed this life
October 3rd.

Also here resteth the body of Edward NOWELL who departed this
life 6th November 1747

Also
here lieth the body of Martha the wife of John HAIGH of Watty
who died 7th November 1765

Also the body of the aforesaid
John HAIGH who departed this life 7th March 1791 aged 71 yrs.

Here
lieth the body of John HAIGH

departed this life 18th day of July 1772 in the 69th year
of his age.

Also
here lieth the body of Mary his widow

who
departed this life the 9th April 1781 in the 71st year of
her age.

Also
Ann the well loved wife of John HAIGH Jnr. Who departed this
life Sept. 3rd 1797 aged 50yrs.

Also
the aforesaid John HAIGH JNR. of Inchfield Pastureside

who
died December 18th 1831 in the 84th year of his age.

Also
Ann the daughter of the above John HAIGH Jnr. who died December
28th 1847

in
the 76th year of her life

Here
resteth the body of Betty the wife of Thomas HAIGH of Tankard
Hall in Todmorden

who departed this life 27th March 1825 aged 43 years

Also the body of Betty
his wife who departed this life on 12th September 1840 aged
52yrs.

Joseph Crossley son of James Joseph Hague and Ann TAYLOR

died August 24th 1836 aged 30yrs.

Ann
only child of Anthony and Betty CROSSLEY relict of James Joseph
Hague TAYLOR

born May 30th 1784, died at Torquay, Devon November
21st. 1848

and
was buried in this vault on the 29th of the same month.

James Joseph Hague TAYLOR died January 8th 1810 aged 28yrs and was
buried at Whitworth

George
son of James Joseph Hague and Ann TAYLOR died September 4th
1829

and
was buried at Whitworth

Under
the north side of this stone lieth the body of Elizabeth wife
of Reuben HAIGH

who
departed this life 30th December 1709

Also
the body of Elizabeth his daughter who died 30th October 1724

Also
the body of Susan wife of Reuben HAIGH who departed this life
18th April 1735

Also
here lieth the body of Reuben HAIGH who departed this life
21st March 1750

Here
resteth the body of John HAWORTH late of Todmorden Hall

who died 5 Dec. 1802 aged 65 years.

Also
Mally his wife who departed this life Feb 23rd . 1806 aged
68 years.

Also Hannah HAWORTH daughter of John HOWARTH of Todmorden Hall

who
departed this life Jan 26th . 1789 aged 10 years.

Here
lieth the body of Betty the daughter of John HAWORTH Junior
of Todmorden

who
died June 24th 1802 aged 15 months.

Also
Hannah his daughter who died Jan 25th 1815 aged 16 years.

Also
the body of the said John HAWORTH JUNIOR who died June 13th
. 1816 aged 52 years.

Also
the body of Mally his wife who died July 11th . 1820 aged
55.

Also
Charles their son who died Oct 21st . 1825 aged 22.

Also
James their son of the Royal George Inn who died Sept. 30th
. 1845 aged 58.

Also
Mally relict of the said James HOWARTH who died April 15th.
1846 aged 59.

Here
lies the body of Mary the wife of Thomas HOWARTH of Hades-Slack

who died 26th Oct. 1818 aged 40 years.

Also
the body of Mary second wife of the above-named Thomas HOWARTH

who died August 21st . 1831 aged 47.

Also
the body of Thomas HOWARTH who died Feb 9th . 1857 aged 82

Here
lies the body of Zachariah HOWARTH of Thornsgreece

who
died June 22 1809 aged 70 years.

Also Martha his wife who died March 31st . 1817 aged 76 years.

Here
lies the body of Richard HAYWARD of Walsden who departed April
1664.

Also
Edmund HAYWARD his son died 30 March 1723 aged 86.

Also
Richard son of above Edmund HEWARD died 6 Feb 1759 aged 84.

Here
lieth the body of Susan wife of Robert HOWARTH in Trough

who departed this life August 3 in the year of our Lord 1735.

Also
Robert HOWARTH her husband who died January 14 1767.

GS
1729 AS 1713 HS 1758

Here
lieth the body of Elizabeth wife of Robert HOWORTH late of
Todmorden Edge

who died first day of Feb. 1785 aged 81.

Here
lieth the body of Mary the wife of James HOWORTH of Allescholes

who departed this life 9 June 1799 aged 61 years.

Also
the aforesaid James HOWARTH who died Sept 2nd . 1817 aged
84 years.

Also
James HOWORTH of Salford their grandson who departed this
life Feb 7 1850 aged 55 years.

In
memory of Ann the wife of Heyworth HEYWORTH of Todmorden,

who died on the 19th day of June 1819 aged 45 years.

Also
Sarah the second wife of Heyworth HEYWORTH

who died 15 July 184? Aged 60 years.

Also the said Heyworth HEYWORTH who died on the 8th April
1849 aged 82 years.

Also
in memory of John Hardman HEYWORTH son of Heyworth HEYWORTH

who died on 18 Jan 1850 aged 48 years.

Also
Sarah HEYWORTH of Harehill relict of the late John Hardman
HEYWORTH of Todmorden

who
died Sept 20th 1861 aged 65 Years.

Also
Mary the wife of John LORD

Here
resteth the body of Thomas the son of John and Sally HEYWORTH
of Square Walsden

who died in August 1826 aged 8 months

Also
the body of another son Thomas who died 2 April 1830 aged
1 year 8 months.

Also
the body of James their son who 5 March 1835 aged 23 years.

Also
the above-named John HEYWORTH who departed this life Oct 18th
. 1853 aged 62 years.

Sacred
to the memory of Jeremiah HOWARTH of Brick Kiln in Stansfield

who departed this life Nov 6th . 1835 aged 67 years

Also
Susan his wife who departed this life January 24th . 1838
in the 70 th year of her age.

Also
Susan daughter of John and Hannah HAWORTH of Clough in Walsden

who died January 26th 1824 aged 1 year 2 months.

Also
of another Susan their daughter who died July 28th . 1839
aged 5 years and 10 months

Robert
LAW son of Robert and Betty LAW of Ramsden Clough

died
4 Nov 1842 aged 33

John
Law son of William LAW and Betty of Mellings Died Aug 25 1781
aged 18

Also
Job LAW his son died Dec 5 1786 aged 21

Also
Enoch his son died Dec 3 1793 aged 14

Also
Thomas died Sept 5 1794 aged 21

Also
Hannah their daughter died 25 Feb 1796 aged 26

Also
the above named William LAW died June 22 1802 aged 63

Sarah
wife of Thomas LAW of Mellings died 2 July 1781.

Also
above Thomas died Nov 11 1795 aged 87.

Also
Mary Alice BAMFORD died July 7 1819 aged 4.

Betty
wife of John LAW of Dike died 24 Nov 1774 aged 45.

Robert
LAW of Dike Green died 14 April 1770 aged 64.

Also
Elizabeth his wife died March 14 1784 aged 83..

Job
son of John LAW of Dike died Dec 21 1763

Betty
his daughter died 31 May 1776 aged 22.

Also
John son of Enoch LAW died 22 Feb 1789 aged 8 weeks

William
LAW of Scaitcliffe died Aug 21 1851 aged 63.

Also
Mary his wife died June 13 1853 aged 61.

Betty
daughter of Robert and Elizabeth LAW of Scaitcliffe

died
Jan 16 1841 aged 4 months

Also
above Elizabeth died Nov 25 1851 aged 38.

Mary
wife of John LAW of Moorside in Todmorden died July 2 1820
aged 42.

Also
above John died Oct 20 1825 aged 55.

Also
Joseph their son died Jan 23 1830 aged 13

Also
William their son died Aug 31 1838 aged 31.

Also
John their son died Nov 10 1839 aged 25.

Thomas
LAW of Ramsden Wood died in Manchester Feb 6 1853 aged 36.

Samuel
LAW of Henshaw Barn Walsden died 14 June 1763 aged 63.

Also
Elizabeth his wife died 31 July 1775 aged 73

Samuel
LAW of Smales Walsden died July 6 1842 aged 78.

Also
Sally his wife died Feb 10 1828 aged 63.

Also
Wife of son of Samuel LAW died May 12 1852 aged 47

also
5 of their children

Here
lieth the body of Susan wife of George TRAVIS who died March
2nd

Here
resteth the body of Joseph TRAVIS of Clough Mill

who
departed this life August 22nd 1818 aged 50 years

He
was the 1st organist at this church

also
James his son who departed this life January 20th 1814 aged
7 years

also
John his son who departed this life April 29th 1827 aged 36
years

also
William his son organist who departed this life July 5th 1829
aged 31 years

TRAVIS
OF INCHFIELD

To
the memory of Joseph TRAVIS of Woodbottom who died June 15th
A.D. 1842 aged 50 years

also
Hannah their daughter who died September 27 A.D. 1835 aged
16 months

also
Mary their daughter who died October 13th A.D. 1839 aged 12
years

Martha
wife of John WOODHEAD died Jan 14th 1730

Also
John WOODHEAD died may 18th 1757 aged 80 years

Hannah
Daughter of William and Mary SCHOLFIELD of Todmorden died October
1809 aged 5.
Also Cyrill their son died November 5th . 1815 aged 15 days.
Also Thomas their son died January 21 1819 aged 2.
Also Ann their daughter died October 22 1821 aged 9.
Also William their son died October 17th . 1838 aged 28.
Also above named William SCHOLFIELD died May 4th . 1848 aged 67.
Also Mary his wife died October 14th . 1849 in her 70th . Year.
Also James their son died January 7th . 1851 in his 48th . Year.

Mary Ann and Mary, daughters of Abraham and Ann SCHOLFIELD of this
town
who died in their infancy.
Also the body of Ann their mother who died April 6th . 1829.

Ann wife of John SCHOLFIELD of Knowlwood who died 8th . August 1800
aged 73.
Also above John who died August 7th . 1812 aged 86.

Mally wife of James SCHOLFIELD of Todmorden died 19th March 1804
aged 58.
Also James their son who died at Bottomley November 18th . 1811
aged 37.
Also above named James , land surveyor of Todmorden, died April
21st . 1833 aged 75.

Cyrill SCHOLFIELD of Steanerbottom died 9 April 1735.
Also Ann SAGER died June 1831 aged 80.
AlsoJohn her husband died February 1837 aged 85.

Mary daughter of John and Betty SCHOLFIELD of Calf Lee died October
21st . 1814 aged 3.
AlsoBetty wife of John SCHOLFIELD of Calf Lee in Walsden

who
died November 14th . 1851 aged 62.
Also Sarah their daughter died October 14th . 1852 aged 39.

James LORD of Toad Carr in Ightenhill Park died June 17th . 1773
aged 70.
Also Elizabeth his daughter and wife of Abraham SCHOLFIELD of Scout
Top
died February 22nd . 1803 aged 70.

Sacred
to the memory of Sarah, the daughter of Martin and Mary HOLT of
Todmorden Edge

who died November 23 1822 aged 7 mth.

Also
of Peter their son who died November 19th 1829 aged 4 years.

Also
Fielden their son who died December 3 1851 aged 37 years.

Also of Mary wife of Martin who
died March 30th 1853 aged 68 years.

Parish
Registers

Lancashire
Parish Register Society have fiche sets for sale of the registers
from 1666 to 1780 and have published a book of the transcriptions
from 1781 to 1812.